Visiting Scholars
Visiting Students
Visiting Fellows
The mission and purpose of CAMLab is bringing together humanistic inquiry with cutting-edge technology and design. We pursue forward-looking, experimental work that explores enduring questions of human consciousness. Our work centers upon learning, service and involvement, creativity and innovation, academic excellence, dignity, respect, and integrity.
Each year, Harvard FAS CAMLab hosts visiting scholars, students, and professionals from around the world to advance their research in areas related to the history of art and architecture, as well as creative practices involving media, technology, and interdisciplinary exploration. Participants in this program gain access to Harvard’s unparalleled research resources and dynamic academic community. They are actively involved in both internal and external CAMLab events and activities.
CAMLab’s visiting scholars, students, and fellows join the program with well-defined research plans. Each participant leverages full access to Harvard University’s libraries, facilities, and extensive research infrastructure to advance their own work. Depending on the topics and needs of CAMLab’s research, some participants may have the opportunity to collaborate on CAMLab projects.
The program’s intellectual depth is enhanced through participation in Visiting Scholars in Dialogue sessions. These sessions provide a platform for participants to present works-in-progress and receive feedback from the cohort. We recognize the value of such collaboration; they enrich the academic environment, and enhance CAMLab’s mission of excellence, research, and innovation. Furthermore, program participants have the opportunity to contribute to CAMLab’s programming by leading workshops, demonstrations, and other activities at CAMLab Cave.
This program is administered by Harvard FAS CAMLab.
Program Application Deadlines
We conduct two application rounds annually, in the Spring and Fall. The respective deadlines for these rounds are May 1st and October 1st. To be considered, please ensure that you submit the following materials by the specified deadline.
Visiting Scholar Program
Visiting Scholar applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be in a ladder faculty position, with a demonstrated track record of research relevant areas. Applicants are required to submit a detailed research proposal outlining their intended activities during the affiliation period, including how they plan to utilize specific university resources to advance their research objectives. If accepted, the Visiting Scholar candidate will receive a formal notification letter and a request for additional information in order to process the J-1 visa. An administrative fee of $8,000 per semester will be charged to each visiting scholar.
To apply for the program, please submit the following materials to visitingscholar@harvardcamlab.com, using “Visiting Scholar + Your Full Name” as the email subject:
- Application Form (Please see below).
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Research proposal (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Work samples (a paper or project introduction) in either English or the written language.
To be considered, please compile all the required materials in the above order, into a single PDF file. The overall file should not exceed 10 MB in size and should not include hyperlinks for downloading.
Interview: If we find your materials compelling, you will be invited for an interview as part of our selection process. The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your visiting plan in more depth. Interviews are typically conducted in English via Zoom.
Visiting Student Program
Visiting Student applicants must be currently registered Graduate Students in a degree program within a relevant field of study. An interest in the intersection of traditional scholarship and digital innovation would be a plus. Applicants must provide a research proposal, including how their affiliation with CAMLab will benefit their academic development and how they plan to utilize specific university resources to advance their research objectives. If accepted, the Visiting Student candidate will receive a formal notification letter and a request for additional information in order to process the J-1 visa. An administrative fee of $8,000 per semester will be applied to each visiting student.
To apply for the program, please submit the following materials to visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com, using “Visiting Student + Your Full Name” as the email subject:
- Application Form (Please see below).
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Research proposal (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Work samples (a paper or project introduction) in either English or Chinese.
- Official Academic Transcript and Certificate of Enrollment (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Two Letter of References.
To be considered, please compile all the required materials in the above order, into a single PDF file. The overall file should not exceed 10 MB in size and should not include hyperlinks for downloading.
Interview: If we find your materials compelling, you will be invited for an interview as part of our selection process. The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your visiting plan in more depth. Interviews are typically conducted in English via Zoom.
Visiting Fellow Program
Visiting Fellow applicants must be working professionals in the fields of art and technology, with a strong interest in exploring the intersections of humanity, technology, and art. Applicants are required to submit a visiting plan, including their objectives and how their affiliation with CAMLab will enhance their professional pursuits. Visiting Fellows are subject to an administrative fee of $20,000 per quarter (3 months or less).
To apply for the program, please submit the following materials to visitingscholar@harvardcamlab.com, using “Visiting Fellow + Your Full Name” as the email subject:
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae (in English or in both Chinese and English).
- Visiting Plan for the period of your affiliation (In English or in both Chinese and English).
- [Optional] Work Samples (in English or in both Chinese and English).
To be considered, please compile all the required materials in the above order, into a single PDF file. The overall file should not exceed 10 MB in size and should not include hyperlinks for downloading.
Interview: If we find your materials compelling, you will be invited for an interview as part of our selection process. The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your visiting plan in more depth. Interviews are typically conducted in English via Zoom.
FAQs
Application Process Timeline: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, our review process is thorough and careful, which means it may take approximately 3-4 weeks to finalize decisions. We are committed to providing each application with the attention it deserves, and we thank you for your patience during this period. Based on our experience, the visa process requires at least three months after admission. Therefore, we recommend planning your expected visit at least four months in advance to allow sufficient time for both application review and visa processing.
Program Duration and Renewal Policy: The program operates on a semester basis. A full academic year (two semesters) is recommended for a comprehensive experience, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon evaluation and mutual agreement at the term’s conclusion.
Selection Criteria: The program’s selection process prioritizes academic excellence and the alignment of the applicant’s research proposal with how the program may best advance their current development plan, as well as the alignment with CAMLab’s academic focus and creative practices.
CSC Support and Visiting Opportunities: Scholars and students supported by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) are welcome to apply for exchange opportunities at CAMLab. However, only applicants who have successfully completed the full application process and received official acceptance will be issued an acceptance letter. Please note that CAMLab does not provide invitation letters only for the purpose of CSC applications.
While we make every effort to provide timely decisions, acceptance into the program cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are kindly asked not to use CSC deadlines as a basis for requesting expedited reviews.
Assistance with Visa Applications: While the responsibility for securing a visa rests with the individual, CAMLab offers support by providing the necessary documentation for visa applications once the admission process is complete and a place has been offered.
Language Test Scores: The submission of English language proficiency test scores, while recommended, is not a mandatory requirement for application.
O-1 Visa Holders: Individuals possessing an O-1 visa are welcome to apply, subject to the standard selection criteria and program stipulations. Relevant inquiries should be directed to the appropriate contact email.
Undergraduate Students: Our program is specifically designed for master’s, PhD students, scholars and working professionals. At this time, we are unable to accept applications from undergraduate students. This criterion is in place to ensure that the program’s content and structure are well-suited to the academic and research needs of more advanced students and professionals. Please follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter, where we announce upcoming projects and opportunities, as there may be future initiatives or alternative ways in which you can participate and join us.
For any further information or clarification, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact visitingstudent@harvardcamlab.com or visitingscholar@harvardcamlab.comas appropriate to their application.
